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www.guardian.co.tt Sunday Guardian
Christmas 'Must-Haves'
November/December 2014
12
DIY Designs
I hope it is not necessary to tell anyone that
those springy, stretchy 'rods' you bought by the
yard is just not cutting it in today's home design.
Drapery rods and poles are very accessible and
there are many options available. They are firm
and your drapery hangs straight and look lovely.
Have you ever considered making your own rod?
That will be miles better than the rod by the yard
and it can prove to be very economical. The key is
to find something sturdy that can withstand the
weight of your window treatment and not droop.
Here are some options.
Consider heavy duty PVC or electrical conduit; all
available from the hardware store. A 90 degree
elbow and floor flange will attach the rod to the wall.
Your electrical conduit will have to be threaded and
you will need PVC glue for the PVC pipe.
For support in between you can also fashion brack-
ets from readily available elements from the hard-
ware.
PVC will sag more than the metal electrical conduit
so use it for lighter treatments. All rods will sag,
however, without the necessary support. That will
make it no better than your 'rod' by the yard! So con-
sider placing brackets in the middle of the rod.
If you need a rod 4 feet or shorter, you may also
consider using a wooden dowel or even a broom
stick! Support it with your bracket system and you
are good to go! The only problem may be the ends of
the dowel. It may look unfinished. You need a finial.
For your finial you have a number of options: table
tennis or lawn tennis balls, cabinet or door knobs are
some of your options. Drill a hole big enough to fit
the ball over the ends of your rod.
Whosaysyourfinialhastoberound.Cuta2x2
wood into 2 inch cubes. Finish your cubes to match
your rod. Attach a wine cork with a nail and glue and
plug the end of your rod. Tah dah a finial!
I have been known to even use teacups and small
glass bowls. These finials can also be used with your
PVC or electrical conduit rods. Door and cabinet
knobs work well with your dowel.
You have the basic construction of your rod. You
now need to finish the rod to suit your décor. If you
love the industrial finish, you can leave the conduit
pipe unfinished. This will suit the more industrial or
edgy decors. Use your rod with rings for pleated
drapery or use grommet or tab drapery. Rod pocket
curtains will completely hide your rod. For your
wooden rod you can consider a stain. For all your
rods paint is an option. So you can select a satin,
gloss or metallic finish in just about any colour under
the sun. You can also cover your rods with fabric
using glue. Don't forget to finish the brackets and
finials, including you screws, to match the finish on
the rod.
There you go! Budget friendly options for exclusive
custom made drapery hardware!
Ann Moore-Spencer
Brackets
PVC Pipe with tennis ball covered with fabric
Store bought 'final' option
Heavy duty electrical conduit
Cube 'final' option
PVC Pipe with tennis ball uncovered
Preparing table tennis ball rounded 'final' option